RSS

PINUS MUGO Turra – Mountain Pine

Syn.:Pinus montana Mill., Pinus mughus Scop., Pinus mugo subsp. mughus (Scop.) Domin, Pinus pumilio Haenke, Pinus montana subsp. pumilio (Haenke) A. et Gr., Pinus montana subsp. prostrata Tubeuf ex HessFamily:Pinaceae Lindl.Distribution: The Alps, Apennines, mountains of the Balkan Peninsula, Carpathians, naturalized in the Bohemian Massif.Ecology: It grows in mountains above tree line or on peat-bog.Description: A broad shrub or a small tree with branched trunk up to 2 m high. Needles arranged in pairs, slightly twisted, green. Cones ripen third year, are conically ovoid to globose. Mountain Pine is a very variable species.Use: The resin of the Mountain Pine is important as the source of turpentine. It is also a very attractive ornamental tree planted in parks and gardens.Threat and Protection: The Mountain Pine is a protected plant in some countries (Poland, Serbia).
These images were taken in Slovakia, Malá Fatra (date 14. 6. 2004).